Protective garment for use with heavy apparatus/protective vest, act as a filter and identity protector

ABSTRACT

A protective garment that manages perspiration and structured to be worn on the torso as a barrier to reduce and or prevent chaffing on the shoulder area, when wearing anything heavy including but not limited to, an apparatus with shoulder straps or harnesses or protective vest or backpack or rucksack or tools, carrying a heavy load or so that the wearer can remain reasonably comfortable. There are three versions of this protective garment. The body of the garment is essentially the same. Each version is differentiated by the Collar. Version 1 has a standard collar at the base of the neck. Version 2 and 3&#39;s neck is a turtleneck construction. They are essentially the same construction that creates a barrier that may protect the wearer from having objects such as embers, bullet casings, small projectiles fall into their outer garment unto their skin, as well as cold, heat, and UV rays. When extending the turtleneck portion from the folded position, over the wearer&#39;s mouth and nose, Version 3 has a filter affixed to the front of the turtleneck and provides protection from inhalable particulates of toxic material such as sand, dust, ash, smoke particles, air pollution, and construction site materials and can also function as a method to conceal the identity of the individual.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a protective garment to be worn on the torso of a wearer, when an individual (Man, Woman, or Minor) is wearing/carrying such as but not limited to heavy apparatus including shoulder straps, suspenders (braces), construction or safety harnesses, shoulder belts, carrying heavy items on their shoulders and or a protective vest to reduce chaffing, perspiration, and heat, so that the wearer can remain reasonably comfortable while wearing the invention. The invention can also be worn as an outer garment. This garment has been designed and structured not only first responders but does not preclude other wearers such as but not limited to construction workers, fisherman, hunters, golf caddies as others carrying heavy items on their shoulders and working outside.

The invention is presented in three versions. The body of the invention is the same as all three versions with Version No. 1 having a standard undershirt collar, Version No. 2 having an elongated turtleneck collar and Version No. 3 having an elongated turtleneck collar with a filter embedded in the collar.

The elongated turtleneck versions provide protection as it acts as a filter from larger inhalable particulates of materials such as sand, dust, ash, smoke particles, air pollution, and construction site materials when worn over the wearer's mouth and nose. Further the fabric covers the back of the neck and ears and protects from cold, heat, UV protection from sun exposure and articles entering the garment from the rear. The size of the turtleneck portion is such that the stretched fabric provides for the fabric to be held in place and creates a fabric seal. The invention may also act as a method to conceal the identity of the individual wearing the device by covering the major portion of the wearer's face. At the base of the turtleneck at the collar line located on the right and left neck and shoulder junction are reinforced half inch opening for access of wired communications devices.

The invention has the following unique characteristics:

1. These such as but not limited to for heavy apparatus including harnesses, shoulder belts, or carrying heavy items on their shoulders and or items including protective vests can be heavy and do not permit much perspiration vapor to escape, and thus can result in overheat, discomfort, and heavy perspiration if worn by the individual for an extended period.

2. The protective garment will minimize chaffing or injury when the individual wears on their torso for such as but not limited to heavy apparatus including harnesses, shoulder belts, carrying heavy items on their shoulders and or protective vest that can be heavy and uncomfortable over time. The specifically engineered ribbing of Vapor Release foam polychloroprene attached to the protective garment may reduce friction and provide a cushion for the worn items.

3. The protective garment unique turtleneck portion can be stretched over the individuals face. Affixed in the front section of the turtleneck in between two layers of the turtleneck's fabric is a perforated polychloroprene or a similar perforated fabric that acts as a filter providing protection from larger inhalable particulates of material such as sand, dust, ash, smoke particles, air pollution, and construction site materials when worn over the wearer's mouth and nose. Further the fabric covers the back of the neck and ears and may provide protection from cold, heat and UV protection from sun exposure. The design also creates a barrier that may protect wearers from having objects such as embers, bullet casings, liquids, small projectiles fall below their garments unto their skin. The protective garment turtleneck may also act as a method to conceal the identity of the individual wearing the device by covering the major portion of the wear's face when fully extended. At the base of the turtleneck at the collar line located on the right and left neck and shoulder junction are reinforced half inch opening for access of wired communications devices.

4. When not utilized as a protective garment the turtleneck portion is folded as to not be conspicuous or reveal its capabilities.

OBJECTIVES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The key objectives are:

1. To provide a straightforward solution with a protective garment made of wicking fabric that channels the body heat out, draws moisture, perspiration and vapor, away from the wearer's torso who is wearing, such as, but not limited to, a protective vest, a heavy apparatus, a harness, straps, or carrying heavy items on their shoulders, can remain reasonably comfortable.

2. To provide comfort to the individual wearing such as but not limited to heavy apparatus including a harness, straps, or carrying heavy items on their shoulders and or a protective vest with a simple, straightforward solution that may reduce chaffing and injury, so that the individual can remain reasonably comfortable while wearing the heavy equipment.

3. To provide an individual with a convertible filtered mask and conceal the identity that is quick to put in place, easy to use and protect the individual so that the individual can remain reasonably comfortable while wearing the protective garment.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the invention, a protective garment that is worn on their torso beneath such as but not limited to heavy apparatus and or a protective vest, which in one illustrative example is a Tee shirt, and is provided with vertical ribs to create the needed cushion to preventing chaffing beneath heavy apparatus and or a protective vest. The Tee shirt can be made of a woven or knit cloth, typically a jersey material, which can be cotton, cotton blend, or synthetic fiber which has wicking properties so that heat and perspiration vapor can be removed or absorbed. Vertically wing shaped ribs strategically placed from the wearer's torso to create a proper cushioning effect to reduce chaffing.

The material can include silk or part silk to effect wicking of moisture away from the torso. The material may alternatively include cotton or a natural/synthetic blend that has the desired wicking and cooling effect. Colors would be determined as to the use and need of the wearer. Bright and fluoresce colors would be for uses in which visibility is necessary, required and preferred due to safety concerns. Subdued colors may be utilized and dictated by the needs and requirements due to organizational uniformity and tactical considerations.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates front and back of the garment standard collared short sleeve padded version that embodies the concepts and ideas of this invention and showing details of construction of the Vapor Release foam polychloroprene rib member for it that is sewn onto the protective garment. The heavy apparatus and or protective vest itself is not shown.

FIG. 2 illustrates the garment front and back long sleeve padded version with turtleneck portion folded and not extended, showing details of construction of the perforated polychloroprene or a similar perforated fabric that acts as a filter which is embedded onto the turtleneck portion of the protective garment. At the base of the turtleneck at the collar line located on the right and left neck and shoulder junction are reinforced half inch opening for access of wired communications devices.

FIG. 3 illustrates the garment with turtleneck portion extended isolated to depict the right side of head covering of the face from the base of the neck to the bridge of the nose. Four depictions. At the base of the turtleneck at the collar line located on the right and left neck and shoulder junction are reinforced half inch opening for access of wired communications devices.

FIG. 4 illustrates the garment front and back short sleeve non-padded version with turtleneck portion folded and not extended, showing details of construction of the perforated polychloroprene fabric that acts as a filter which is embedded onto the turtleneck portion of the protective garment. At the base of the turtleneck at the collar line located on the right and left neck and shoulder junction are reinforced half inch opening for access of wired communications devices.

FIGS. 5 and 5A depict the general location of the padding in relation to the structure of the shirt front and back. The relativity is based on the size (Extra Small to 3X large and beyond) and the cut (Male/Female)

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The protective garment in FIGS. 1 and 2 are shown here in the form of a men's Tee shirt with a body or torso portion that extends from a lower hem near the waist of the garment up to a neck opening of the garment. The protective garment is made of a fabric that has wicking properties to permit moisture and heat from the wearer's torso to escape through.

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict the garment with vertical winged shaped ribs, covering the clavicle collar bone (except the opening for the neck portion), including, at the front.

FIG. 2 depicts the garment front and back long sleeve padded version with turtleneck portion folded and not extended, with the perforated polychloroprene or a similar fabric approximately 10 inches wide to be able to cover the mouth and nose portion of the face. At the base of the turtleneck at the collar line located on the right and left neck and shoulder junction are reinforced half inch opening for access of wired communications devices.

FIG. 3 shows the garment with turtleneck portion extended covering up the neck, mouth and up to the bridge of the nose and ears with the perforated polychloroprene or a similar fabric approximately 10 inches wide specifically covering the mouth and nose portion of the face. At the base of the turtleneck at the collar line located on the right and left neck and shoulder junction are reinforced half inch opening for access of wired communications devices.

FIG. 4 shows the garment front and back long sleeve non-padded version with turtleneck portion folded and not extended, with the perforated polychloroprene or a similar fabric approximately 10 inches wide to be able to cover the mouth and nose portion. At the base of the turtleneck at the collar line located on the right and left neck and shoulder junction are reinforced half inch opening for access of wired communications devices.

FIGS. 5 and 5A depict the general location of the padding in relation to the structure of the shirt front and back. The relativity is based on the size (Extra Small to 3X large and beyond) and the cut (Male/Female)

The protective garment can be laundered normally and machine-dried, without damage to the Vapor Release foam polychloroprene material or the perforated polychloroprene.

Also, while a standard Tee shirt is shown here to embody the protective garment, it is possible to carry out the principles and concepts of the invention on a variation different protective garment, e.g., a sleeveless variation with or without the turtleneck extension collar, a long-sleeved shirt with or without the turtleneck extension collar, or a turtleneck variation shirt without the padding. In addition, all the variations may include a hood.

This invention has been designed and structured for users such as but not limited to construction workers, fisherman, hunters, golf caddies as others carrying heavy items on their shoulders and working outside. The invention can be worn as an outer garment as well and is not limited to the details as shown in described in the illustrative embodiment which also applies to men, women, and minors. Rather the scope and spirit of this invention can be determined from the appended versions. 

1. A protective garment with an elongated turtleneck to be worn on the torso of a wearer when an individual (Man, Woman, or Minor) is wearing anything heavy such as but not limited to heavy apparatus including shoulder straps, suspenders (braces), construction or safety harnesses, shoulder belts, carrying a heavy load in a backpack or rucksack, and or protective vest or uniform. The protective garment comprising of rib padding a front and extending vertically from above the lower portion of the scapula's left and right (shoulder blade) substantially to neck opening, covering the clavicle collar bone (except the opening for the neck portion), and continuing to the right and left breast portion of the rib. The invention can also be worn as an outer garment. This garment has been designed and structured not only first responders but does not preclude other users such as but not limited to construction workers, fisherman, hunters, golf caddies as others carrying heavy items on their shoulders and working outside.
 2. There are two versions of the protective garment. Although the body is the same on both versions, Version No. 1 has a standard undershirt collar and Version No. 2 has an elongated turtleneck collar. Version 1 or Version 2 may be long sleeved or short sleeved.
 3. The elongated turtleneck portion has affixed a perforated polychloroprene fabric in between two layers of the fabric that when pulled up and extended from the folded position acts as a filter for providing protection from larger inhalable particulates of material such as sand, dust, ash, smoke particles, air pollution, and construction site materials when worn over the wearer's mouth and nose. The filter fabric covers the nose and mouth and extends from cheek to cheek and from the bridge of the nose to below the chin. Further the fabric covers the back of the neck and ears and protects from cold, heat, UV protection from sun exposure and articles entering the garment from the rear. The size of the turtleneck portion is such that when pulled up to cover the face and nose stretches the fabric causing the fabric to be held in place and creates a fabric seal. At the base of the turtleneck at the collar line located on the right and left neck and shoulder junction are reinforced half inch opening for access of wired communications devices.
 4. The protective garment of claim 1 and claim 3 wherein said includes a Vapour Release foam polychloroprene fabric member or equivalent material member of generally wing shaped profile.
 5. The protective garment of claim 1 and claim 3 wherein said includes a Vapour Release foam polychloroprene fabric member or equivalent material member in thickness of ranging from 3.0 mm to 5.0 mm depending on the style.
 6. The protective garment of claim 1 wherein said rib members include left and right wing shaped vertical rib members on the front of the protective garment cover the front breast area of the wearer.
 7. The protective garment of claim 1 and claim 3 wherein said left and right vertical members are positioned on the protective garment to align with processes of the wearer's left and right clavicles (collarbones).
 8. The protective garment of claim 1 and claim 3 further comprising left and right rear vertical rib members at spaced location on the back of the protective garment.
 9. The protective garment of claim 1 and claim 3 wherein said rear rib vertical members are positioned on the back of the protective garment to align with scapula (shoulder blades) of the wearer.
 10. The protective garment of claim 1 claim 2 and claim 3, wherein said protective garment is of a fabric having wicking properties to remove moisture away from the wearer's torso and manage perspiration when wearing such as but not limited to heavy apparatus with shoulder straps, harnesses, carrying a heavy load in a backpack or rucksack, carrying heavy items on their shoulders and or a protective vest.
 11. The protective garment of claim 3 wherein said the perforated polychloroprene, or a similar perforated fabric filter has a thickness ranging from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm depending on the style.
 12. The combination of claim 2 wherein said protective garment is formed of a fabric of a color corresponding to that of the protective vest, uniform or use requiring visibly for safety.
 13. The protective garment of claim 1 and claim 3, wherein said left and right vertical members are positioned on the protective garment to align with processes of the wearer's left and right clavicles collarbones.
 14. The protective garment of claim 1 and claim 3, the protective garment further comprising left and right rear vertical rib members at spaced locations on the back of the protective garment to align with scapula, shoulder blades of the wearer.
 15. The protective garment of claim 2 wherein said the perforated polychloroprene filter has a thickness of ranging from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm depending on the style.
 16. The protective garment of claim 1, claim 2 and claim 3 wherein said protective garment is formed of a fabric of a color corresponding to that of the protective vest, uniform or use requiring visibly for safety.
 17. The combination of claim 1, claim 2 version 2 and claim 3 the invention may also act as a method to conceal the identity of the individual wearing the device by covering the major portion of the wear's face when fully extended.
 18. The combination of claim 1, claim 2 version 2 and claim 3 the invention creates a barrier that will may protect wearers from having objects such as embers, bullet casings, small projectiles fall below their garments unto their skin.
 19. The combination of claim 1, claim 2 version 2 and claim 3 the protective garment may also act as a method to protect the identity of the individual wearing the item by covering the major portion of the wear's face when fully extended.
 20. The combination of claim 1, claim 2 version 2 and claim 3, when not utilized as a protective garment, the turtleneck portion is folded as to not be conspicuous or reveal its capabilities.
 21. The protective garment of claim 1 and claim 2, may be worn on the torso as barrier to prevent chaffing when wearing such as but not limited to heavy apparatus with shoulder straps, harnesses, carrying heavy items on their shoulders and or a protective garment or vest, carrying a heavy load in a backpack or rucksack.
 22. The protective garment of claim 1, claim 2 and claim 3, wherein said protective garment is of a fabric that blocks out UV rays from the wearer's torso and claim 2 version 2 will also block out UV rays from the wearer's neck and a good portion of the wear's face. 